Could you live anywhere and still do your work?

I've been listening to MONEY - Master the Game, by Tony Robbins, this month. I couldn't help but notice that he talks about relocating to Florida from California for the tax savings and excellent values in real estate. It got me thinking about all the different jobs and careers that would allow one to work from home in a location of choice. Look at marketing, IT, web design and app development for example. Certainly artists, musicians and writers work from home.

 If you could live anywhere, where would that be? 

What kind of environment would help you thrive, not just survive? Do you crave space that's light and airy? Wooded privacy? Water front - but not the beach! Or simply a kitchen with windows, ocean, and sky? Florida in general, and Volusia County in particular, offer a lot more than just golf courses, palm trees, and stucco. Some recent property searches in coastal Volusia County yielded these remarkable gems all under $500,000: This contemporary home in Port Orange features abundant natural light for artists of all types, and even comes with a separate studio. 3419 sq. ft. of living space for only $389,900! 

In Ormond Beach, off of US1, there is a surprising older neighborhood with homes right on Tomoka River. This home, situated high on a bluff, features sunrises over the salt marsh and the winding river. Afternoons on the deck are shady and breezes keep it comfortable, plus, you can launch canoes and pontoon boats right from your dock. Heaven! At $498,275 for 2276 sq. ft. living area, it’s a great price! 

One unique alternative to the beach is the Intracoastal Waterway, known here in Daytona as the Halifax River. But are there any affordable newer constructions on the water, you ask? Actually, there are! The Marina Grande on the Halifax is a pair of South Beach style condominiums right next to the Seabreeze Causeway with 26 floors of amazing views. One unit is a 2BR /2 BA with 1660 sq. ft. of living area and an additional 160 sq. ft. of south east facing balconies. Need more space? There is a 3BR/3BA unit for just $339,900. The amenities include two stunning pools, a large fitness center, a theater, and a beautiful social room for your big parties. 

Just imagine that moving to Florida could save you a lot of money. The sale of a modest home in, say Malibu or White Plains, could net you enough to purchase pure luxury in our area. What would $1,250,00 buy you in Port Orange? How about an estate on Spruce Creek in the famous Spruce Creek Fly In! Designed by Ben Butera and constructed by the same team that built John Travolta’s home, you get 2 master suites and 4 bedrooms in a total of 5212 square feet of living space. 

 Are you feeling creative now? 

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells 

Are you a Snow Bird Wanna Be?

Even if your sunburn from Labor Day hasn't faded yet, it is not too early to plan for when the snow is flying up north! When people find out I'm a Realtor in the Daytona Beach Area they usually ask if there are still "good deals" out there. Between summer's three day weekends and The Holidays things slow down a bit in this resort town, so your time couldn't be better!

Check out this bank owned beach front condo in the newly renovated Oceans Three Condominium.  Located in the most desirable part of Daytona Beach Shores, you can literally park your car and forget it since the new Publix grocery store is directly across the street along with many restaurants and other shops. People have been paying close to $200K for the un-renovated units, but at $154,900, you will have enough left over for a new kitchen, two new baths, and all the granite counter tops you could wish for!

Another option is the Marina Grande On The Halifax Condominium. This glamorous complex is for the buyer who prefers contemporary living with resort amenities and a dock. Located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, and around the corner from the Seabreeze Causeway, you will be amazed by the views up the Halifax river and of the Atlantic. At night things really light up as the beach sky line begins to twinkle! This complex was completed right at the wrong time. Trust me, the original buyers did not purchase in the mid $200's, but you can. Two pools, dock, state of the art fitness center, billiards, and a ballroom, it's all there at a great price.

Condo living not your thing?  There is only one gated community on the beach, and most folks drive right on by never knowing what a great gem it is! Key Colony is poised between A-1A (Atlantic Ave.) and Peninsula Ave. and shares a pedestrian over pass with the Daytona Shores Spa and Resort for easy access to the beach. When you are all "beached out" you can enjoy the pool and tennis courts. These cute coquina bungalows are nearly maintenance free, so you can come and go as you please without worrying if the lawn has been cut. Most of the homes are in the lower to mid $300's, but the link above will take you to a bank owned steal!

So, yes, there are some great deals out there. Call me.  Don't be a Snow Bird without a nest!